JSC invites applications for high-ranking vacant posts
By Aloys Michael, January 16, 2026The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has opened applications for top judicial offices, including the Chief Kadhi and Registrar, as it continues interviews for other advertised positions.
The announcement was made on Friday, January 16, 2026, following the ongoing vetting of candidates for superior courts across the country.
The Chief Kadhi position fell vacant following the untimely death of its former holder, Sheikh Athman Abdul-Halim Hussein, in mid-2025.
The Chief Kadhi is Kenya’s senior judge for Islamic law, heading the Kadhis’ Courts that handle Muslim personal status matters, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. They supervise other Kadhis, ensure legal integrity, advise the government, and manage administrative duties for the court system.
The vacant JSC registrar position whose role is to provide strategic leadership and oversight in the management of the JSC’s functions and day-to-day administration.
“Only shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted. Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification,” the Commission wrote on X.
According to the announcement, the JSC said applications for the senior leadership and technical posts, including ICT roles, will close on February 5, 2026.
Interviews for Court of Appeal judges
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is currently interviewing candidates for 15 Court of Appeal vacancies, with 35 shortlisted applicants undergoing public vetting.
The process, which began on January 12, 2026, features 21 sitting judges and 14 senior advocates competing for the positions.
Meanwhile, JSC also invited applications for a judge of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Martha Koome, in a special Gazette Notice, said the successful candidate will serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70, with the option of retiring at 65 as allowed under the Constitution.
The notice highlighted the Supreme Court’s exclusive role in hearing and determining presidential election disputes under Article 140. The Court also handles appeals from the Court of Appeal and other tribunals, provides advisory opinions to national and county governments, and addresses urgent cases arising from emergencies.
Candidates must meet all constitutional and legal requirements, including holding a law degree from a recognised university and being advocates of the High Court of Kenya or holding an equivalent qualification from a common-law jurisdiction. They must have at least 15 years of experience as either a superior court judge or a distinguished legal practitioner, or a combination totalling 15 years.
The Gazette stressed that applicants must meet the integrity standards in Chapter Six of the Constitution, showing high moral character, impartiality, sound judgment, and a dedication to public service. Chief Justice Koome added that candidates must demonstrate professional competence, fairness, communication skills, and broad legal and life experience.